New wildlife group boss keen to restore habitats

The new boss of a wildlife conservation group has said he is "excited" to continue the organisation's work to restore the island's habitats.

Graham Makepeace-Warne has been appointed chief executive of Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), taking over from Leigh Morris from June.

Mr Makepeace-Warne, who joined the group 2018 as its head of engagement, said it was a "tremendous honour" to lead MWT "at such a crucial time for nature".

"I'm excited to build on our successes of restoring habitats, protecting our wildlife, and working with our community to inspire action for nature," he said.

"It is very fulfilling work, it is a fantastic team so to be taking on a leadership role is wonderful news."

Mr Makepeace-Warne said while he was not planning on making any "big, sweeping changes", he was looking to "get a more regular income stream so that we can stabilise the organisation".

Exciting projects for the organisation included plans to transform land at Glen Auldyn into a temperate rainforest, as well as work to create a carbon registry for the island to track and manage carbon credit, he said.

While it was a "really exciting time for nature" on the island, there was "a lot of work to do", he said.

Announcing the appointment, chairman of the MWT trustees said Mr Makepeace-Warne would "continue to grow" the organisations "influence" as well as delivering "tangible, lasting benefits for nature and people" on the island.

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